WELLINGTON COUNTY – As students head back to school, the Grove Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario would like to remind youth of its essential resources and support for those aged 12 to 26.
The transition into a new school year can bring unique challenges, from starting high school or post-secondary to navigating the pressures of returning to a routine.
This September, The Grove expects to have over 3,000 youth visits across its seven sites.
During these transitional times, youth increasingly turn to the Grove for the safe, supportive space they need, officials say.
They added the need for comprehensive youth support has never been more clear.
The 2023 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS), conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), found that there was a noticeable decline in the mental health of youth across the province.
The survey of over 10,000 students in Grades 7 to 12 focused on assessing the mental and physical well-being of Ontario’s youth.
Results showed that while most students were in good health, a substantial minority faced a range of mental health challenges, including self-harm, suicidal ideation and psychological distress.
This has been a rising trend over the past decade, with the most recent results showing the highest levels of mental health challenges among youth across the province.
“When experiencing stress about new transitions, there can be something very freeing about taking time to admit to ourselves and others what’s going on in our minds and bodies,” said Fergus Grove Hub mental health clinician Shaina Smith.
“Saying those things out loud or writing them in a journal can be a way to lift a heavy weight off our shoulders and open ourselves to new opportunities. Our care professionals at the Grove are here to help listen to these worries and concerns.”
Extended hours
To better support youth during back-to-school, the Grove has expanded its operating hours at multiple sites to offer more flexibility.
The new Palmerston hours are:
– Mondays 11am to 5pm;
– Tuesday to Thursday 11am to 6pm; and
– Friday 11am to 4pm.
Along with updating its operating hours, the Grove Hubs has also expanded its team.
With these improvements, youth wellness and community outreach efforts during the upcoming school season will be made a top priority, officials say.
About the Grove
The Grove is a “one-stop-shop” for youth, by youth, offering a wide range of services, including mental health, substance use support, primary care, education, employment, training, housing and access to other community and social services. The Grove also offers tutoring services for youth who need extra support, including mental health support.
The Grove’s mental health professionals are available to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety that often accompany these transitional life changes, officials say.
They added the Grove continues to see significant growth in youth accessing its clinical service and is prepared and ready to support more youth this September.
“The transition of returning to school, whether entering high school or post-secondary, can be incredibly challenging for youth,” said Grove executive director Jeff Hoffman.
“At the Grove, we have a vast number of wonderful resources, supports, and care professionals to help make this transition easier.”
“The Grove is committed to providing barrier-free support to all youth who walk through its doors, ensuring that no youth face these challenges alone,” officials state.
To schedule a tour or presentation, or to discuss collaborating on an event, contact hello@thegrovehubs.ca.
For more information visit thegrovehubs.ca.
